Fact or Fiction: Bruises

We've all had bruises. For some people, they're a rare occurrence, and for others they're a fact of everyday life. But what, exactly, is happening under your skin when you bruise? Most bruises heal on their own, but how can you identify an out-of-the-ordinary bruise that requires medical attention? Fear not -- we have the answers for you, right here in this quiz.

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Question 1 of 20

If you have a bruise, it's because a vein has burst under your skin.

fact

fiction

almost fact: It's capillaries that break to form a bruise.

When you sustain a blow to your skin, tiny capillaries break under your skin.

Question 2 of 20

Most bruises heal in a few days.

fact

fiction

No, it's longer than that. Two to three weeks is the average healing time for a bruise.

almost fact: It usually takes a week or two.

Question 3 of 20

Brand-new bruises are usually reddish.

fact

Bruises turn bluish or purple after a day or two. The immediate reaction is a reddish color.

fiction

almost fact: They're purplish-blue.

Question 4 of 20

Bruises turn blue or purple because oxygen has been cut off from the area.

fact

When a bruise wells, that area loses its oxygen supply, turning your blood blue.

fiction

almost fact: They appear that color because the blood is so close to the surface of the skin.